3/14-3/18 - Blake Spirit Week (see details below)
Blake Book Fair (see details below)
3/14 - Groovy Day at Blake
3/15 - #MedfieldPS Chat (8 p.m.) - see details below
Band-O-Rama
3/16 - String Night
Blake PTO Mtg (7 p.m.)
3/18 - ADL Youth Congress Field Trip
3/21 - Harmony Day (see details below)
3/22 - Dodgeball Tournament (see details below)
3/23 - Incoming 9th Grade MHS Open House (6:30 p.m.)
3/24 - Term 2 Report Cards go home
3/25 - #DLDMedfield
No School for Students
3/29 - Screening of Most Likely to Succeed at MHS (see details below)
3/30 - Grupo Fantasia
3/31-4/6 - Greek Week (Grade 7)
3/31 - A Midsummer Night's Dream Assembly - Grade 6
4/1-4/2 - MICCA Festival
4/4 - Blake Site Council Mtg (3:30 p.m.)
4/8 - 1/2 Day for Students
Career Day at Blake
Professional afternoon for Staff
4/8-4/9 - Beauty and the Beast Performances
4/12 - Project Moves
4/18-4/22 - April Vacation
Topic/Question for the Dinner Table
To help encourage conversations and dialogue about how we learn and share, this week's topic/question for the dinner table is: What story do you want to tell? Please see link to Google Form to share your responses: Telling Your Story (3/13/16) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey Information Follow Up
On Wednesday, March 9 Susan Cowell and Christi Barney both presented information to the community as part of the review of data from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey. Below are two links for you to peruse and reference...
MWAHS Community Presentation March, 2016
Christi Barney March 9, 2016 Community Presentation
#MedfieldPS Twitter Chat on 3/15/16
Our next district-wide Twitter chat is Tuesday, 3/15/16 at 8 p.m. with a focus on 'Learning Skills' (the skills we want to foster and nurture in our students). The goal of these chats is to bring the five schools together (staff and administration) to discuss pertinent topics in education, initiatives, and ideas to collaborate around and share. I encourage you to follow the hashtag #MedfieldPS during the chat and to participate! Below are links to 'storify' archives of previous chats...
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-february-2016-twitter-chat
(Spirit of #DLDMedfield)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-twitter-chat-resolutions-and-reflection
(Resolutions and Reflection)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-december-2015-twitter-chat-relevance
(Relevance)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-november-2015-twitter-chat
(DLD Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-october-2015-twitter-chat
(Homework Focus)
https://storify.com/nat_vaughn/medfieldps-august-2015-twitter-chat
(Back to School)
Book Fair at Blake
Don't miss the Blake Feelin' Groovy Book Fair! Please stop by for a fab collection of popular books, fun prizes, raffles and more. All proceeds benefit the school -- giving us the opportunity to buy new books for the Library as well as for classrooms. The Fair runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm.
A BIG thank you to Cynthia Connelley, mother of 8th grader Cam Connelley, for her amazing transformation of the Library's entrance way! She custom designed, created and installed wonderful artwork that takes you back to the Groovy 70's. You may want to stop by the Fair just to get a glimpse of her incredible talent! Thank you so much Cynthia for all of your hard work and time.
Acceptance Month - Week 1: Harmony Day & ADL presentations
Monday, March 21st is the first day of Student Council's Acceptance Month. Each year, Student Council makes an effort to focus on the various forms of diversity in our world and how we can embrace Acceptance of those differences! Each week students will engage in topics about Acceptance and awareness of differences. This first week, we will participate in Harmony Day and the 6th grade will be receiving lessons in advisory from the ADL Peer Leaders.
As the kick-off event of the month, on Monday, March 21st, Blake is invited to join the Harmony Club at Medfield High School, sponsoring its annual Harmony Day. Harmony is a day where the club encourages any MHS community member who has a friend, family member, etc. in their life who is LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) to wear a green shirt. The idea was started by Clinton Oxford, a 2008 graduate of Medfield High School, who thought if everyone could see just how many have a LGBT person in their lives, it might reduce the name-calling/anti-gay remarks heard in the hallways. Our students and staff at Blake are invited to wear green in support of this day.
In addition to wearing green on Monday 3/21, there will also be a poster in the main foyer of the building. Students, staff, and even visitors are encouraged to hang a simple, anonymous, green sticker onto the "Harmony" poster that day in support of someone they know, care about, or just someone they've heard of who is a member of the LGBT community. It is our hope that this simple demonstration is a symbol of support in our community, reminding everyone of the importance of Acceptance.
Spirit Week at Blake
Student Council invites Blake Staff & Students to join in a Spirit Week, the week of 3/14-3/18. Each day there will be a dress-up theme, as well as fun announcements, and trivia at lunch!
- Mon 3/14 - Generation (Dress for the Groovy 70’s - to help kick off the book fair)
- Tues 3/15 - Sports (Dress in any sports gear for your favorite team)
- Wed 3/16 - Nations (Dress in the colors of the Nation your homeroom chooses)
- Thurs 3/17 - Hawaiian (Dress in tropical gear)
- Fri 3/18 - Animal/pet convention (Dress like an animal or bring in a stuffed animal or picture of your pet - no real pets in school!)
Intramurals Update
The Winter Intramural session wraps up this week and the Spring Intramural session is scheduled to begin the week of March 28th. Please expect to see the Spring Intramural offerings at some point next week. If you have any questions, please contact Matt Marenghi ([email protected]).
ADL Youth Congress Conference
The ADL Peer Leaders are excited to attend the Anti-Defamation League's 22nd Annual Youth Congress in Boston on Friday, March 18th.
Health Advisory Committee Meeting
The MPS Health Advisory Committee will be meeting on Monday March 28th at the Wheelock School Library from 3:15-4:15. Dawn LaVallee, the Director of Food Services, will be presenting: Food Choices Offered in the School Cafeterias. All are welcome to attend.
8th Grade Trip Forms
Medical forms for the Washington, DC trip were sent home last week with students. All forms are due by Friday, April 1.
SOS Program Follow Up
On the morning of March 7, 2016, the guidance department presented the SOS Middle School program to all 7th grade students. The Signs of Suicide Prevention program proactively offers a depression screening and suicide prevention training to students. This is the only school-based suicide prevention program selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for its National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices that addresses suicide risk and depression, while reducing suicide attempts. We had 180 students participate. Students were attentive, engaged, and took the program very seriously. We were impressed with their mature behavior and the thoughtful questions they asked.
Mrs. Dondero is following up with students and parents that indicated they had concerns, either about themselves or someone else. If you have any questions about your child's screening, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jen Dondero ([email protected]). For additional resources, please visit
http://blakeguidancepage.weebly.com/mental-health-resources.html
Heather Abbott Update
Over the past several months, dozens of Blake students have been raising money for Heather Abbott’s, foundation (http://heatherabbott.org) whichprovides prostheses to those who have suffered limb loss. As you may remember, Heather was our all-school summer reading book speaker last fall. Dozens of students, mostly of their own volition, have run fundraising snack sales, lemonade stands, and even sold customized cell phone cases. So far, their efforts have raised $727.22. Our original goal was to present all of the money to Heather for general use in her foundation. However, she recently contacted us with an idea: Why don’t we focus on one recipient and aim to raise the total amount needed for a new prosthetic? We thought it was a wonderful idea and Heather has found a wonderfully deserving young girl:
Introducing Swapna Oslund: Swapna Oslund is a 9-year old girl from Beverly, MA who is currently in the 3rd grade. She was born in India with limb differences on both hands and her left leg. She has had a total of 18 surgeries including the amputation of her left partial foot in the fall of 2014. Swapna has never let her differences hold her back. She has a passion for sports, especially basketball. She has tried wakeboarding, football, and recently, snowboarding. The biggest challenge she faces when playing sports is keeping up her endurance due to the weight of her prosthetic leg. She struggles to keep up with the speed of her teammates on the basketball court. She makes up for this with her awesome shooting skills! Swapna is a feisty, resilient, and strong girl who wants to take the world by storm! To see images and to read about her life, check out her blog: https://lsofootblog.wordpress.com/
What's Next: Normally, the total cost of a new running prosthetic for Swapna would be $17,500 but thanks to the generosity of doctors and fabricators who work with Heather, the cost is $4,000 - an amount we are confident we can reach! The Blake Student Council is running a Dodgeball Play for Prosthetics event after school on March 22. All of the proceeds from the competition will go towards fundraising Swapna’s new running leg. All money raised from our upcoming June Blake Mini-Marathon will go to Swapna’s new running leg as well. A fundraising Blake variety show is also in the works. If you have any ideas or would like to help out in any way, please contact Marissa Gumas ([email protected]) or Jon Haycock ([email protected]).
Blake Site Council 15-16 Survey
The Blake Site Council has been working on the development of our annual survey to students and parents. A similar survey has been administered the last three years and we are committed to having parents and students take it each year as part of our continual efforts to examine our programming. Focus areas include the topics of school culture, academic workloads, stress, and habits. The results will help us to gather information and examine our current practices to better meet the needs of our students and assess progress towards our mission. Please complete the survey for each child you have at Blake, and base your responses on your student's experiences this year. The questionnaire is anonymous, and your identity can not and will not be discovered through the completion of this survey. We sincerely appreciate your honest responses and are hoping for 100% participation from the Blake community. If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]). Link to the survey: Blake Middle School Parent Survey March, 2016
Project Moves returns to Medfield with a new show - Tuesday, April 12 @ 7 p.m.
With the generosity of MCPE, Project Moves, a dance company comprised of young people bringing a powerful message of inclusion, returns to Medfield with an exciting new show! If you missed the sold out show 4 years ago, here is a chance to be part of this impactful experience. "Peace requires everyone to be in the circle, wholeness and inclusion." A show for our times, "Symphony" shows us by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all, even the weak become strong when we are united as one. A cast of more than sixty pre-professional dancers along with a team of extraordinary choreographers and directors will send your heart sailing with optimism. You'll leave the theater holding your head a little higher, inspired to make the world a better place. For more information about Project Moves and their mission, please visit their website - projectmoves.org
Tickets are free and will be available online beginning March 1st. One hundred fifty additional tickets will be reserved for distribution at the door on a first come, first serve basis. To reserve online, please go to projectmovesmedfield.brownpapertickets.com.
Information from Incoming Parent Information Nights
For your reference and information, here are links to the presentations and handouts for grades 6-8...
Incoming 6th PIN 2016 Presentation
Blake Incoming 7th PIN 2016 Presentation
Nature's Classroom Slides March, 2016
Nature's Classroom Trip Documents and Forms
Incoming 8th PIN 2016 Presentation
Blake Parent Resources Handout 2016-2017
Blake Program of Studies 2016-2017
Spring Cleaning - Request for MakerSpace Donations
In our ongoing efforts to foster experiences for students to be 'hands-on' and creative with materials, we are looking to provide outlets for students to create in our 'maker space'. As you begin your spring cleaning efforts (optimistic, I know!), we are looking for any donations from Medfield families of: old toys and electronics, PVC pipe, felt/fabric, crafty supplies (yarn, string, makers, wipe off markers, wipe off contact paper, marbles, duct tape, wasabi tape, different types of glue), cookie cutters (variety of shapes), old tools, play dough, recyclables (anything used for storage containers/bins), cell batteries, AA batteries, conductive materials (copper wire, aluminum foil, telephone wire, washers, brackets). Any donations can be dropped off at the Blake main office and would be greatly appreciated.
iPad Program Update and Planning for 2016-2017
The Blake iPad Program Update for 16-17 was sent to all current 5th-7th grade families on February 5, 2016. This link outlines information for all Blake families outlining information about the iPad program for all Blake students for 2016-2017. To help us effectively prepare and plan our efforts, we are asking all current 5th-7th grade parents/guardians (incoming 6th-8th grade parents/guardians for the 2015-2016 academic year) to answer the questions on this Google Form survey: Incoming 16-17 iPad Program Planning Survey. Please fill out the survey for each child that will be attending Blake next year. Your responses are not binding and we recognize that your plans may change, but the initial feedback will assist us with our planning. I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to complete this brief survey and am hoping for 100% participation. For your reference I have posted links below to documents about our initiative/program…
Blake Mobile Learning Blog
Blake Mobile Learning General Information (has articles, background information, and philosophy)
Blake Mobile Learning Initiative Participation Options
Blake Mobile Learning FAQs 16-17
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me directly ([email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or thoughts that you may have.
PARCC Dates for Blake Students
As you know all of our Blake students will be participating in the paper and pencil version of PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). All of our students will be taking three unit assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics. If you would like more information regarding the PARCC test or to view samples of the PARCC tests, please visit www.parcconline.org. Please note that Grade 8 students will also be taking the MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering test. Below are the administration dates for these assessments...
Grade 6
ELA PARCC (5/2, 5/3, 5/4)
Math PARCC (5/18, 5/19, 5/20)
Grade 7
ELA PARCC (5/5, 5/6, 5/9)
Math PARCC (5/10, 5/16, 5/17)
Grade 8
ELA PARCC (5/10, 5/11, 5/12)
Math PARCC (4/27, 4/28, 4/29)
Sci/Tech/Eng MCAS (5/16, 5/17)
Make-up testing will take place when students return from their absence(s), provided that their return takes place within the testing window determined by the Commonwealth. We appreciate your assistance in looking at these dates and being mindful to try and avoid medical/dental appointments or conflicts with these assessments. As always, do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
8th Grade Families - Save the Date!
Medfield High School Open House
March 23, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Medfield High School is opening its doors to current 8th graders and their parents/guardians to offer an inside look at academics, athletics, and co-/extra-curricular offerings. This will be a casual evening where current clubs and activities will be on display, and high school students will provide tours of the building. Additional information and sign-up process will be posted soon.
Grade 6 Standards Based Reporting Pilot and Focus Group
Thank you to all sixth grade parents/guardians who were able to come to one of our Standards Based Reporting information sessions. As promised, here is the link to the presentation...
Standards Based Reporting Presentation Fall 2015
We are also looking for parents/guardians to be part of our parent focus group. This group will be comprised of the 6th grade science teachers, administration, and parents and will meet throughout the year (Fridays at 12:30 p.m.) to discuss the work that is taking place and provide feedback. The remaining dates that have been set for these meetings are: 4/1 and 6/3. If you are interested, please complete the form below...
Standards Based Reporting Focus Group Sign-Up
How to Raise an Adult - Book Discussion Group for Parents
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Blake Community's reading of HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims. We will be selecting our next book and look forward to future discussions! If you have any suggestions, please send them along!
Blake Track 2016
Blake’s track season begins on Monday, April 4 and runs through late May/early June. All students are eligible to participate. Interested boys and girls should attend a brief organizational meeting right after school in the cafeteria on Tuesday, March 15. Students will not miss buses.
Practice: The team practices on the high school track after school between 2:15 and 3:15. It’s OK to miss a practice for academic extra help.
Meets: Meets begin the week after April vacation. There are usually about seven per season. Home meets begin at 3:00 and end around 5:00 P.M. Buses transport team members to away meets. The team is usually back at Blake by 6:00 P.M.Parents/guardians may drive students home from away meets. Please let coaches know before leaving. Students who wish to ride home with non-parents/guardians must have a note from their own parents/guardians, which should be given to a coach.
Gear: Quality running shoes and white socks are the foundation. Sweat pants and a sweat shirt are also a must. Cold muscles are more vulnerable to injury. Tank tops for meets are provided. It’s also good to bring a water bottle to practices and meets.
Frequency: There are four track events per week. For the first two weeks of the season, practice will be held Mondaythrough Thursday. Once meets begin (after April vacation), the day off will change weekly, depending on meet days and the weather.
Philosophy: Many Blake students have been participating in other sports and activities. We want that to continue. Track offers a wide variety running, jumping and throwing events. We feel that there is an event available for every personality and body type. A large number of our team members end up making a commitment to track and continuing with the program at the high school.
Coaches: Jon Haycock, Patty Graham, Greg Keohan, Kerrie Krah
Online Sign-Up: Go to: www.medfield.net
• Under "Our Schools", click on either Medfield High School or Blake Middle School.
• Under the "Activities" tab, choose "Athletics".
• Click on the "Register Now" (Family ID) button.
• Follow prompts to create username/password and register online.
After completing registration, please write a check to the “Town of Medfield” for $225.00 (aid is available), with student’s “name” and “Middle School Track” written on the subject line. Have your son or daughter bring the completed check and a copy of a current (within last 13 months) physical to Mr. Haycock in the Blake Library/Media Center. Contact Jon Haycock with any questions ([email protected]).
'Quit Idling' Campaign
Hopefully you have noticed the new No idling signs posted ouside of our schools. Despite the signs, some parents are still idling their cars in drop-off and pick-up lines and in parking lots. Mr.Cowell's High School Environmental Science students wrote and produced a terrific video to highlight the importance of not idling your car. Please take a few moments to watch the video via the link below, and perhaps to show it to your kids, as it is a fun way to educate them about this issue. The No Idling Committee and the students, faculty, staff and community members who breathe the air in our schools' driveways and parking lots thank you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EA-RerqAA4&ab_channel=MichaelCowell
K-8 PTO Update
A Message from Blake PTO….
We would like to wish the DI participants good luck at the regional tournament in Holliston on March 18th!
BLAKE APPEAL PILOT
YOU ASKED……WE LISTENED! We know you are tired of buying and selling unwanted items and volunteering to help make those fundraisers a success. The Blake Appeal Pilot will make things super easy for you and continue to help Blake fund enrichment programs, new technology and an “extreme makeover” for the Blake library. We have 22% participation to date. We hope to have 100% participation by April 1st! We do not want to bring back those old fundraisers!!! This is all you have to do:
- Click on the link Blake Appeal Pilot Donation to make a credit card donation OR
- Write a check made payable to Blake Middle School PTO and mail directly to the school at 24 Pound Street or ask your student to drop it off at the main office.
BLAKE PTO MEETING
Wednesday, March 16th at 7:00 pm. We will be voting on a grant in the amount of $8,000. These funds will help ensure that all 7th grade students will be able to attend Nature's Classroom and all 8th grade students have the ability to attend the class trip to Washington, D.C.
MEDFIELD SPIRIT WEAR
Attention Spring Sports Teams, Club Organizers and Administrators! Blake PTO & MyLocker are ready to get you geared up for the season and your big event. Customize EVERYTHING from text to colors and designs from sports to drama to music. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, bags, hats, blankets & more. Spend $85 or more and get a free customized t-shirt. 12% of proceeds from each order will go to your school’s PTO. This is all you have to do:
Go to shop.mylocker.net
Enter your school locker number - BLAKE BD979
Use promo code b2g6dTK1
NOTE: Due to different branding sizes, make sure to check all size charts when ordering to ensure you get a great fit for each product. Use MyLocker to create apparel for your teams, clubs, service groups, and more. The possibilities are endless! Please contact LauraZaher [email protected] with any questions.
BAY STATE TEXTILES
Recycle clothing, shoes, household linens and stuffed animals at one of the Bay State Textile boxes at your school or the Transfer Station. Recycle and help the schools!!
ISLIDE FUNDRAISER
Custom ISlides will be on sale March 7th-31st. ISlide and Dale Street PTO are offering ALL Medfield students and residents customized ISlides with the Medfield Warrior logo, student’s first or last name and team number for $40.99 a pair. Please complete the order form in the Dale Street Thursday Packet and return to Dale Street School by March 31st. Please contact Colleen Deignan [email protected] with questions.
BOX TOPS
Thank you to all the families that donated Box Tops. You helped raise $721 for Blake this year!! Blake’s lifetime submission is now $4,688. Thank you to all the volunteers that helped cut and sort all the Box Tops. We appreciate it!
RECYCLE INKJET AND TONER CARTRIDGES
Get rid of your trash and help Blake earn cash & supplies by recycling your inkjet and toner cartridges. We accept HP, Brother, Canon and Lexmark cartridges. Collection boxes are located outside of the Library. Thanks for your help! Please contact Donna Knott at [email protected] with any questions.
ZEBRA’S FLATBREAD FRIDAYS FUNDRAISER
No need to cook on a Friday night after a crazy week! Enjoy a delicious flatbread from Zebra’s and support the Medfield Public Schools at the same time. 10% of the proceeds from flatbreads sold via take-out or in the restaurant on Friday evenings will be donated to the Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) and Medfield K-8 PTO. Please contact Kim Price [email protected] with any questions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please like us on Facebook Medfield K-8 PTO , follow us on Twitter MedfieldK8PTO and check out our website http://medfieldpto.weebly.com
MCPE Update
"Most Likely to Succeed" Film Screening and Discussion: A Medfield Community Event
Most Likely to Succeed offers an inspiring look at what students and teachers are capable of when given the opportunity. The film will be shown on March 29th from 6:30-8pm, at the Medfield High School Auditorium, with small group discussions with Medfield Public School Administrators from 8-9pm. You are invited to see the film and join the conversation! Please visit our website to see the trailer and register: MedfieldCoalition.org
LCR (Left, Center, Right) Dice Game - Registration Opens 3/15
LCR dice game is an exciting and fun community event that will be held on Friday, April 29th with two seatings at 7:00 and 9:00 PM at the American Legion. Register as a table of 10 or sign-up individually. Don’t delay - registration opens THIS WEEK.
The Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award
Parents, administrators, school staff and community members are encouraged to nominate a staff member for the Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award. In recognition of Bob's commitment to our students, MCPE has created this award to honor an educator in the Medfield school community who embodies Bob's legacy of exposing our students to the world beyond Medfield. Nominations are due April 1st. For the award application and more information, please go to medfieldcoalition.org/grants/bob-maguire-award/.
Please click here for Thursday Packet Information.